Liquid food item preservation and preparation

ABSTRACT

Devices, systems, and apparatuses, and associated methods of preparing a liquid food item for consumption by a liquid food item preparation device are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a device includes an inner shell having an inner surface and an outer surface, an outer shell having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface of the inner shell defining a liquid holding volume and the outer surface of the inner shell and the inner surface of the outer shell defining a vacuum chamber. The outer shell and inner shell can be configured to form an orifice to the liquid holding volume at their junction. The device can be configured to prepare a liquid food item for consumption, including by powering a heating element and mixer device that can be configured to respectively heat and mix a liquid food item in the liquid holding volume.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/534,641, entitled “APPARATUS FOR STORING ANDHEATING A LIQUID,” filed Jul. 19, 2017, which is incorporated byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

A baby receives essential nutrients from its mother's breast milk. Forhuman mothers, nursing a baby from the breast can be inconvenient orimpossible for every instance that a baby desires to be fed. Somemothers preemptively pump their breast milk, which can later be fed tothe baby in lieu of nursing directly from the breast.

Like many other food items, pumped breast milk may spoil, reducing itsnutrient content, degrading its taste, and ultimately rendering it unfitfor consumption. To delay spoilage, breast milk can be frozen orrefrigerated. Expressed human breast milk may remain fit for consumptionfor weeks or months if frozen, and severe spoilage may be delayed for aslong as three to five days by refrigeration.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

A mother's breast milk may be pumped from her breast for later feeding.It is recommended that babies not consume breast milk exposed for morethan four hours to room temperatures (e.g., approximately 70 degreesFahrenheit), which may cause the breast milk to spoil. Breast milk canbe preserved for longer periods of time by refrigeration or freezing.For feeding, refrigerated or frozen breast milk is often heated to aconsumption temperature, such as body temperature or slightly below(e.g., 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit or lower).

Preparing expressed breast milk for feeding can be problematic andinconvenient for a baby's caregiver. The expressed breast milk oftenneeds heating, but exposing breast milk to high temperatures can degradenutrients and kill natural bacteria present in the milk, and hot milkcan scald a baby's mouth and throat. A popular method for preparingbreast milk for consumption includes heating water on a stove,submerging a bottle filled with preserved breast milk in the heatedwater, swishing the breast milk around in the bottle as the milk slowlyheats, and monitoring or routinely sampling a temperature of the breastmilk until a consumption temperature is reached. This process ofpreparation can be tedious, messy, time consuming, and fraught with therisk of dangers involved with overheating the milk or of creatingunintended hot spots in the milk.

Several embodiments of the disclosed technology can hold and store aliquid food item, such as human breast milk, at a preservationtemperature within a liquid holding volume of a container, and, inresponse to an instruction to prepare the liquid food item, prepare theliquid food item within the liquid holding volume of the container forconsumption, including by heating the liquid food item until atemperature of the liquid food item is at a consumption temperature.Several embodiments of the disclosed technology can comprise a deviceincluding thermally insulative walls that define the liquid holdingvolume, the device configured to store a liquid food item at apreservation temperature, and the device configured to prepare theliquid food item in the liquid holding volume in a controlled and steadymanner, minimizing damage to the liquid food item that would result fromexposing the liquid food item to excessive temperatures duringpreparation procedures or from heating the liquid food item in animproper way, such as to heat it beyond a consumption temperature, orfrom creating potentially harmful hot spots in the liquid food itemresulting from uneven heating of the liquid food item.

Several embodiments of the disclosed technology comprise a deviceincluding a container comprising an inner surface defining a liquidholding volume of the device and an outer surface, a heating elementconfigured to transfer heat to a liquid within the liquid holdingvolume, at least one thermal sensor configured to sense a temperature ofa liquid within the liquid holding volume, a mixer device comprising amixing element configured to mix a liquid within the liquid holdingvolume and a mixer motor for causing the mixing element to rotate orotherwise move in the liquid holding volume, and a processor coupled toa memory, the thermal sensor, and the heating element. The liquid fooditem preparation device may include a portable power source, such as abattery. The outer surface and inner surface of the container areconfigured to form, at their junction, an orifice of the liquid holdingvolume of the liquid food item preparation device, through which aliquid may enter or exit the liquid holding volume from and to outsidethe container. In some implementations, the device can be configured tocomprise a cap sensor coupled to the processor and memory that generatesa signal, or otherwise provides an indication of a cap, based at leastin part on a presence of the cap at the orifice of the liquid holdingvolume. In some implementations, the device can be configured tocomprise a volume sensor coupled to the processor and memory thatgenerates a signal based at least in part on a volume of a liquid fooditem within the liquid holding volume.

The instructions stored in the memory can comprise methods forpreserving a liquid food item at a preservation temperature and forpreparing the liquid food item when an instruction to prepare the liquidfood item is received. In some implementations, the instruction toprepare a liquid food item comprises receiving user input comprising aninstruction to prepare the liquid food item. In response, theinstructions can comprise preparing the liquid food item, whereinpreparing the liquid food item comprises powering the mixer device.Powering the mixer device can comprise calculating a mixing signal andapplying the mixing signal to the mixer motor of the mixer device,causing the mixing element to spin within the liquid holding volume andstir and/or agitate the liquid stored therein. In some implementations,the mixing element can be configured to comprise a stirrer magneticallycoupled to the mixer motor.

The instructions can also include measuring, using the thermal sensor, atemperature in the liquid holding volume and determining whether thetemperature is at a consumption temperature. The instructions mayfurther comprise, in response to determining that the temperature is notat the consumption temperature, powering, with the power source, theheating element to transfer heat to the liquid in the liquid holdingvolume. In some implementations, powering the heating element comprisesdetermining a heating signal for powering the heating element andapplying the heating signal to the heating element, wherein the heatingsignal is determined based at least in part on a measured temperature ofthe liquid in the liquid holding volume. In some implementations, theheating signal is determined based at least in part on a measured volumeof the liquid in the liquid holding volume. The instructions can alsocomprise periodically or continuously measuring, using the thermalsensor, the temperature of the liquid, determining whether thetemperature of the liquid is at the consumption temperature, and, inresponse to determining that the temperature of the liquid is at theconsumption temperature, discontinuing preparation of the liquid,including abstaining from powering the heating element. The instructionscan comprise generating an alert and/or an interface for display by adisplay of the liquid preparation device, indicating that the liquid hasbeen prepared.

In some implementations, the inner surface of the container defining theliquid holding volume of the device is an inner surface of an innershell, the inner shell including an inner shell outer surface oppositethe inner surface of the inner shell; and the outer surface of thecontainer is an outer surface of an outer shell, the outer shellcomprising an outer shell inner surface opposite the outer surface ofthe outer shell, the outer shell being sleeved over the inner shell anddefining an insulation compartment between the inner sleeve outersurface and the outer sleeve inner surface. In some implementations, theinsulation compartment comprises a vacuum chamber.

In some implementations, the container can further be configured tocomprise a button configured on the outer surface of the container, thebutton coupled to the processor, wherein an instruction to prepare aliquid within the liquid holding volume comprises receiving anindication that the button has been engaged. In some implementations,the container can further be configured to comprise a volume sensor, andthe instructions can further comprise determining a volume of the liquidwithin the liquid holding volume using the volume sensor and calculatinga mixing signal for powering the mixer device based at least in part onthe determined volume. In some implementations, the heating signal isdetermined based at least in part on the determined volume. In someimplementations, the preparation device can be configured to discontinueliquid food item preparation when a volume of the liquid within theliquid holding volume is not greater than a predetermined minimumvolume.

In some implementations, the liquid food item preparation device canfurther be configured to comprise an orientation sensor, the orientationsensor configured to sense an orientation of the container. Theinstructions can further comprise determining, using the orientationsensor, an orientation of the device, and discontinuing preparation ofthe liquid in the liquid holding volume if the orientation is not withinan acceptable range of orientations for liquid food item preparation.

In some implementations, the liquid food item preparation device canfurther be configured to comprise a cap sensor adjacent to the orificeof the liquid holding volume, the cap sensor configured to sense thepresence of a cap at the orifice and/or a cap type. The instructions canfurther comprise determining, using the cap sensor, whether a cap iscovering the orifice; and discontinuing preparation of a liquid fooditem if a predetermined cap is not covering the orifice. The cap can beconfigured to comprise a cap tag that can be sensed by the cap sensor atclose distances. In some implementations, the liquid food itempreparation device can be configured to determine that no cap iscovering the orifice when no cap tag is sensed. In some implementations,the liquid food item preparation device can be configured to determinethat a cap is covering the orifice based at least in part on a cap tagbeing is sensed. In some implementations, a cap sensor senses a cap tagvia a short range wireless communication technology, such asradio-frequency identification (RFID) technology.

In some implementations, a cap is configured to comprise an electricalcontact and the cap sensor can comprise an electrical contact, and theelectrical contact of the cap sensor can be configured to contact theelectrical contact of the cap when the cap is attached and covering theorifice, and the presence of the cap can be determined by a completedcircuit with a cap tag that is electrically coupled to the electricalcontact of the cap. In some implementations, the liquid food itempreparation device can be configured to attach with any of multipletypes of caps. Alternative caps comprise, for example, a cap comprisingan insulated lid and no orifice, so that the orifice of the liquidholding volume of the device is sealed when the cap is attached to thedevice.

According to several embodiments of the disclosed technology, the liquidfood item preparation device can further be configured to comprise a capincluding an artificial nipple covering the orifice of the container. Abenefit of the preparation device according to several embodiments is itmay maintain a temperature of expressed breast milk in a refrigerationtemperature range while not refrigerated itself, and prepare theexpressed breast milk in response to receiving an instruction to do so,including by heating the expressed breast milk to a consumptiontemperature. After determining that the expressed breast milk hasreached a consumption temperature, the device may generate an alertand/or indication for display by the display of the liquid food itempreparation device associated with the consumption temperature beingreached, indicating to a user that the expressed breast milk isprepared.

An infant may feed directly from the container via the cap comprisingthe artificial nipple. Accordingly, a benefit according to severalembodiments is that the container may serve to preserve liquid fooditems, prepare liquid food items, and serve liquid food items directlyto a user without having to transfer the liquid food item to anothercontainer. Another benefit according to several embodiments is that thecontainer may preserve a liquid food item that has been prepared to aconsumption temperature at or near the consumption temperature for manyhours, with or without heating the liquid food item further. Accordingto several embodiments of the disclosed technology, data may becollected related to feeding trends observed with respect to thecontainer. For example, the container may log volume measurements,feeding time, feeding duration, and so forth. According to severalembodiments of the disclosed technology, a liquid food item preparationdevice containing a liquid food item is configured to prepare expressedhuman breast milk, including by heating the breast milk to a consumptiontemperature, in an automated fashion in response to a button beingpressed on the device. According to several embodiments of the disclosedtechnology, a liquid food item preparation device containing a liquidfood item is configured to prepare pre-mixed formula, including byheating the pre-mixed formula to a consumption temperature, in anautomated fashion at a preparation time. According to severalembodiments of the disclosed technology, a liquid food item preparationdevice containing a liquid food item is configured to prepare powderedformula, including by mixing the powdered formula with room-temperaturewater and heating the mixture to a consumption temperature, in anautomated fashion at a preparation time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a liquid food item preparationdevice for preserving a liquid food item and preparing it forconsumption in accordance with embodiments of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective exploded view of the liquid food itempreparation device for preserving a liquid food item and preparing itfor consumption, in accordance with embodiments of the disclosedtechnology.

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective exploded view diagram showingcomponents of the liquid food item preparation device in accordance withembodiments of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional top view of a body member of theliquid food item preparation device in accordance with embodiments ofthe disclosed technology.

FIGS. 5A-C are schematic cross-sectional side views of a cap member, thebody member, and a battery member of the liquid food item preparationsystem in accordance with embodiments of the disclosed technology.

FIGS. 6A-B are schematic perspective views of a heating element andmixer device of the liquid food item preparation device in accordancewith embodiments of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a perspective view of analternative heating element of the liquid food item preparation devicein accordance with embodiments of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a body member of theliquid food item preparation device illustrating an alternativearrangement of components of the liquid food item preparation system inaccordance with embodiments of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating certain hardware/softwarecomponents of a control system for the liquid food item preparationdevice in accordance with embodiments of the disclosed technology.

FIGS. 10A-B are flowcharts illustrating various processes of preparing aliquid food item for consumption in accordance with embodiments of thedisclosed technology.

FIGS. 11A-B are schematic diagrams of an alternative embodiment of a capmember in accordance with embodiments of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 12 is a computing device suitable for certain components of thecomputing system in FIGS. 1-9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain embodiments of apparatuses, systems, devices, components,modules, routines, data structures, and processes for preserving aliquid food item and preparing it for consumption are described below.In the following description, specific details of components areincluded to provide a thorough understanding of certain embodiments ofthe disclosed technology. A person skilled in the relevant art will alsounderstand that the technology can have additional embodiments. Thetechnology can also be practiced without several of the details of theembodiments described below with reference to FIGS. 1-12.

As used herein, the term “preservation temperature” generally refers toa temperature or temperature range at and/or below which a food item canbe stored for extending a consumption life of the food item. As usedherein, the term “consumption life” generally refers to a period ofexistence for a food item in which the food item is considered fit forconsumption for its intended purposes or use. Consumption life may varyamong different liquid food items, preservation temperatures, andstandards for what is considered fit for consumption for a purpose oruse. For example, a preservation temperature of 32 degrees Fahrenheit orlower for expressed human breast milk may enable a consumption life, inwhich it will not cause sickness to a baby if consumed, of many weeks ormonths after it has been expressed from a mother, and a preservationtemperature between 32 and 37 degrees Fahrenheit may enable aconsumption life of three to five days after it has been expressed fromthe mother.

As used herein, the term “consumption temperature” generally refers to atemperature to which a liquid food item is heated during preparation. Aconsumption temperature may comprise a temperature defined by a user. Aconsumption temperature may comprise a predetermined temperaturesetting. For example, a setting associated with preparing human breastmilk may include a consumption temperature approximately equivalent toor lower than body temperature (i.e., 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit).

As used herein, the term “preparation time” generally refers to a timethat a liquid food item being preserved by a liquid food itempreparation device is to be prepared for consumption. In someimplementations, a preparation time may comprise a predetermined timethat a liquid food item is to be prepared at. For example, a preparationtime may comprise a time received as input from a user, such as aparticular time during the day (e.g., 3:30 a.m.). A preparation time canalso refer to the occurrence of receiving an instruction to prepare aliquid food item, such as user input instructing that the liquid fooditem be prepared.

As used herein, a “liquid food item” generally refers to a substancethat has a liquid consistency that can be both stirred and heated andthat is consumable by humans or animals. Human breast milk is an exampleof a liquid food item. The technology disclosed herein can be used forpreserving and preparing other liquids including other liquid fooditems, including baby formula, dairy milk, soup, tea, coffee, purees,and the like. As such, although the term “liquid food item” and the morespecific example of expressed breast milk are discussed herein, it is tobe understood that liquid food item preparation device, according toembodiments of the technology, can be configured to prepare varioustypes of liquid, and, thus, “liquid” and “liquid food item” are usedinterchangeably herein. As used herein, “preparing” a liquid food itemgenerally refers to a process that includes heating the liquid fooditem. Preparing a liquid food item can also include stirring the liquidfood item and/or measuring a temperature of the liquid food item, and/ormeasuring the volume of the liquid food item, and/or measuring anorientation of the preparation device, and other processes and steps.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a liquid food item preparationdevice 100 for preserving a liquid food item and preparing the liquidfood item for consumption, in accordance with embodiments of thedisclosed technology. As shown in FIG. 1, the device 100 can beconfigured to comprise a cap member 102, a body member 104, and abattery member 106. The cap member 102, body member 104, and batterymember 106 can be configured to releasably attach with one another, andthey are shown attached in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the device 100can be configured to have a cylindrical shape.

The device 100 can be configured to store, in a liquid holding volumewithin the body member 104, a liquid food item, preserve the liquid fooditem at a preservation temperature, and prepare the liquid food item ata preparation time. The device 100 can be configured to include, on thebody member 104, a display 110 and a button 112. The display 110 can beelectrically and communicatively coupled with a processor configuredwithin casing of the body member 104. The display 110 can be configuredto display, for example, information related to a liquid food item beingstored and/or prepared by the device 100. For example, as shown in FIG.1, the display can show a temperature of a liquid food item, asdetermined by the device. The button 112 can be configured to generate asignal, which can be received by the processor, indicating that thebutton 112 has been engaged. In some implementations, the device 100 isconfigured to prepare a liquid food item for consumption upon detectingengagement of the button 112 by a user. In some implementations, thedevice 100 includes additional or other user interface elements,including a touchscreen interface or a keyboard interface.

In some implementations, the device 100 is configured to generate datathat can be transferred wirelessly (e.g., via Bluetooth) to anotherdevice for generating a graphical user interface by the other device,and the device 100 can be configured to receive input data (e.g., touchinput data) received by the other device with respect to the interface.For example, a smartphone can generate a graphical user interface basedat least in part on data generated by the device 100, and datarepresenting user input with respect to the interface can be receivedfrom the smartphone.

The cap member 102 can comprise a cap base 109 and a synthetic nipple108 configured thereon. The cap base 109 can be configured to cover anorifice to the liquid holding volume, except for a hole (not shown) inthe cap base approximately concentric to the cylinder shape of the bodymember 104, the hole concentric with the synthetic nipple 108, throughwhich a liquid food item stored in the liquid holding volume of the bodymember 104 may pass on its way to exiting the device 100 via a hole inthe synthetic nipple 108, such as when a baby drinks from the device 100after a liquid food item has been prepared. In some implementations, acap member can be configured to include a nipple adapter plate (notshown) configured between the cap base 109 and the synthetic nipple 108.The nipple adapter plate can be configured to attach the syntheticnipple 108 with the cap base 109. Accordingly, the nipple adapter platemay enable the cap member 102 to accommodate nipples of differentdiameters at their base. The battery member 106 can comprise a batteryfor powering the device 100.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective exploded view of the device 100showing the cap member 102, the body member 104, and the battery member106 detached from one another. The body member 104 comprises a containerand includes an orifice 117 to a liquid holding volume of the bodymember 104. The orifice 117 is formed at a junction of an inner surfaceof the container of the body member 104 and an outer surface of the bodymember 104. The body member 104 includes a screw neck 118, which can beconfigured around the circumference of the orifice 117. The screw neck118 can be configured to comprise male screwing threads 120. At aconnector end 122 of the cap base 109, the cap member 102 can beconfigured to comprise corresponding female screwing threads (notshown). Accordingly, the cap member 102 can be configured to be screwedon the screw neck 118 of the body member 104 thereby attaching to thebody member 104. The cap member 102 can be configured to cover theorifice 117 when attached to the body member 104 at the screw neck.

Similarly, the battery member 106 can be configured to include a batteryscrew neck 115 including male screwing threads 114, and at a base 116 ofthe body member 104, the body member 104 can be configured to includecorresponding female screwing threads (not shown). In some embodiments,the container can be configured to comprise an internal battery memberrather than a detachable battery member. The battery member 106 can beconfigured to include a battery connector 145, which can be configuredto electrically connect the battery of the battery member 106 withcomponents of the body member 104 when the battery member 106 is screwedin, attached to the body member 104.

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective diagram showing components of theliquid food item preparation device 100. The components shown in FIG. 3are configured within the external surfaces of the cap member 102, bodymember 104, or battery member 106, as shown. For clarity, internalfeatures and components of the device 100 are represented in solid lineswhile features and components observable in a perspective view of thedevice 100, like that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, are represented in dashedlines.

The body member 104 is configured to comprise a liquid holding volume126 defined by an inner surface of an inner shell 128 of the body member104. The body member 104 can be configured to comprise an outer shell129 sleeved over the inner shell 128 and spaced apart from the innershell by a distance, forming, between an outer surface of the innershell 128 and an inner surface of the outer shell 129, a volume definingan insulation compartment. The body member 104 includes an insulationcompartment comprising a vacuum chamber 131. During manufacturing of thebody member 104, a vacuum can be created in the vacuum chamber 131. Thevacuum chamber 131 (along with the cap member 102) can be configured tothermally insulate the liquid holding volume 126 from the atmosphereoutside the device 100. In some implementations, the body member 104 canbe configured to include other or additional insulation than the vacuumchamber 131. For example, in some implementations, a thermallyinsulative material, such as aerogel, polyurethane, polyethlene foam,and/or air may be deposited in the vacuum chamber 131 rather than avacuum being created.

The body member 104 can be configured to comprise a heating element 130configured to transfer heat to a liquid food item contained in theliquid holding volume 126. The body member 104 can be configuredincluding the heating element 130 configured on the inner surface of theinner shell 128 at a floor 137 of the inner shell. The body member 104can also be configured to include a mixer device, which includes amixing element (not shown) arranged within the liquid holding volume 126and a mixer motor 136 arranged below an outer shell base 135 whose innersurface helps define the vacuum chamber 131. The mixer motor 136 can beconfigured to cause the mixing element to spin within the liquid holdingvolume 126, thereby mixing a liquid food item contained therein. Forexample, as described further herein, the mixing element can beconfigured of a magnetically charged material, such as neodymium, andthe mixer motor 136 can comprise a mixing plate comprising multiplemagnets arranged in a circle and arranged so polarities alternate aroundthe circle. The mixing plate can magnetically couple to the mixingelement and cause the mixing element to spin when the mixing plate isspun by the mixer motor.

The body member 104 can also be configured to include a cap sensor 138.The cap sensor 138 can be configured, for example, on an outer surfaceof the inner shell 128. The cap member 102 can be configured to includea cap tag 140. The cap tag 140 can be configured, for example, embeddedin the cap base of the cap member 102. In some implementations, the capsensor 138 can be configured to sense the presence of the cap tag 140and/or identifying information from the cap tag 140. In someembodiments, the cap sensor 138 comprises an electrical contact and thecap tag 140 comprises an electrical contact, and the electrical contactof the cap sensor 138 is configured to physically and electricallycontact the corresponding electrical contact of the cap tag, completinga circuit with the cap tag 140 when the cap member 102 and body member104 are attached, enabling the cap sensor 138 to receive data from thecap tag 140, such as an identifier for the cap member 102.

The body member 104 can also be configured to include at least onethermal sensor 142. The thermal sensor 142 can be configured on theouter surface of the internal shell 128. In some implementations, thebody member 104 includes multiple thermal sensors 142 located at variouslocations. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the thermal sensors 142 areconfigured at opposite sides of the body member 104 and at varyingdistances from the heating element 130.

The body member 104 can also be configured to include a volume sensor144. The volume sensor 144 can be configured on the outer surface of theinner shell 128. As shown in FIG. 2, the volume sensor 144 can beconfigured on the outer surface of the inner shell 128, for example, atthe floor 137 of the inner shell. In some implementations, the volumesensor 144 can be configured on the outer surface of the inner shellelsewhere on the inner shell 128 or on the inner surface of the innershell 128.

The body member 104 can also be configured to include a circuit board146 comprising a processor and a memory. The circuit board 146 can alsoinclude other components, including an accelerometer, an orientationsensor, a communications device (e.g., Bluetooth receiver), real-timeclock, temperature sensor, and the like. The processor can be configuredto be electrically and/or communicatively coupled to the heating element130, mixer device (i.e., mixer motor 136), cap sensor 138, thermalsensor 142, and volume sensor 144, and also to the display 110 andbutton 112 (FIG. 1). The battery member 106 can be configured to includea battery 148. The body member 104 and battery member 106 can beconfigured to electrically connect the battery 148 and the components ofthe body member 104, including the processor and memory, when thebattery member 106 is attached to the body member.

In some implementations, the battery member 106 can be configured toinclude a battery management unit configured to regulate and balancecharging and discharging of the battery 148. The battery management unitmay comprise a circuit board configured to regulate charging anddischarging via the battery terminals 145.

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional top view of the body member 104 ofthe liquid food item preparation device 100 taken at a plane CDEF asshown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 4, the body member 104 can beconfigured to include the outer shell 129 configured outside the innershell 128 relative to the liquid holding volume 126. The inner shell 128and outer shell 129 can be configured to be cylindrical and concentricwith one another. The outer shell 129 can be configured having a greaterradius than the inner shell 128, and the vacuum chamber 131 can becreated in the volume between an outer surface 128 b of the inner shell128 and an inner surface 129 a of the outer shell 129. An inner surface128 a of the inner shell 128 can define the liquid holding volume 126.An outer surface 129 b of the outer shell 129 is opposite the innersurface 129 a of the outer shell 129. The outer surface 129 b of theouter shell 129 can be configured to comprise the outer surface of atleast part of the body member 104.

The heating element 130 can be configured on the inner surface 128 a ofthe inner shell 128 on the floor 137 of the inner shell. The heatingelement 130 can be configured to have a generally cylindrical shape andthus appears round in the section in FIG. 4. The heating element 130 canbe disposed so that it is concentric with the inner shell 128. The bodymember 104 can also be configured to include the mixing element 134disposed on the inner surface 128 a of the inner shell 128 on the floor137 of the inner shell. The mixing element 134 can be configured to bedisposed at a location that is generally concentric with the heatingelement 130. As discussed herein, the mixing element 134 can be coupledto a motor, and when the motor is engaged, the mixing element 134 can becaused to rotate. In some implementations, the mixing element isconfigured to have a cylindrical pill shape.

The body member 104 can be configured to comprise, on the outer surface129 b of the outer shell 129, the display 110 and button (not shown).The body member 104 can be configured to include, on the outer surface128 b of the inner shell 128, thermal sensors 142. In someimplementations, the thermal sensors 142 can be configured in contactwith the liquid holding volume. For example, in some embodiments, thethermal sensors 142 can be configured within the liquid holding volume.In some embodiments, the thermal sensors 142 can be configured on theinner surface 128 a of the inner shell 128.

The body member 104 can also be configured to comprise the cap sensor138. In FIG. 4, the cap sensor 138 is configured on the outer surface ofthe inner shell 128. In some implementations, the cap sensor 138 can beconfigured on the inner surface 129 a of the outer shell 129, or on theinner surface 129 a of the inner shell 129. In some embodiments, the capsensor 138 comprises an electrical contact on the outer surface of theouter shell 129 at the orifice of the body member 104 configured so thatit may contact an electrical contact of a cap tag.

FIGS. 5A-C show a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional side view,taken along line AB shown in FIG. 1, of the cap member 102, body member104, and battery member 106 of the device 100, showing components of thedevice 100 for preserving and preparing a liquid food item. Componentsof the device 100 are illustrated for purposes of clarity in thisdisclosure in the two-dimensional plane of the cross-section shown inFIGS. 5A-C, while in implementation these components may be located indifferent two-dimensional planes relative to one another. For example,as shown in FIG. 4, the cap sensor 138 and thermal sensors 142 can beconfigured on the outer surface 128 b of the inner shell 128 at variouslocations in the horizontal plane CDEF, whereas the cap sensor 138 andthermal sensor 142 are depicted in the schematic diagram of FIGS. 5A-Cas both being in the vertical plan AB for purposes of clarity anddisclosure.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the cap member 102 can be configured to include thesynthetic nipple 108 attached to the cap base 109. In someimplementations, the synthetic nipple 108 is attached to a cap adapter(not shown) which is attached to the cap base 109. For example, a capadapter may comprise a ring of plastic that snaps into the cap base 109at the perimeter of the hole in the cap base 109. The synthetic nipple106 can snap into the cap adapter. The cap base 109 can be constructedusing a rigid, food-safe material, such as stainless steel orpolyethylene plastic, and it can be created using a standard moldingprocess including vacuum molding or injection molding, depending on thematerial used. The cap base 109 can be configured to include a cap hole154 configured to pass a liquid food item from the liquid holding volumeof the body member 104 to expel the liquid food item from the device 100via the synthetic nipple 108.

The synthetic nipple 108 can be configured to comprise a nipple hole155, which can comprise an orifice to the liquid holding volume of thebody member 104 when the cap member 102 comprising the synthetic nipple108 is attached to the body member 104. In some embodiments, the nipplehole 155 is generally cylindrical and has a radius conducive to passinga liquid food item when suction is applied on the synthetic nipple 108from outside the device 100. Nipple holes for cap members for differentpurposes or liquid flow rates can have different radiuses. For example,a radius of a nipple hole of a cap member for consuming soup can begreater than a radius of a nipple hole of a cap member for consumingbreast milk.

The synthetic nipple 108 can be constructed using standard syntheticnipple materials used for conventional baby bottles, such as silicone,and attached to the cap base by, for example, contact friction, suction,self-amalgamation, glue or thermal bonding. In some embodiments, athermal insulation layer 157 can be configured on a surface of the capbase 109, as shown in FIG. 5A. In some implementations, the thermalinsulation layer 157 can be configured to comprise a vacuum chamber. Insome implementations, the insulation layer 157 can be configured tocomprise a thermally insulative layer of material, such as polystyrene,plastic, or silicone. In some implementations, the insulation layer 157comprises a washer layer configured to seal the cap base 109 and thescrew neck 118 of the body member 104 when the cap member 102 and bodymember 104 are attached to one another, such that a liquid food itemstored in the liquid holding volume 126 of the body member 104 does notleak out the device 100 via a gap between the under surface of the capbase and the screw neck 118 of the body member 104. In some embodiments,the cap base 109 is configured to include additional or other layers ofmaterial or other components. For example, the cap base 109 can comprisea sealant/washer layer in addition to the insulation layer 157. The capbase 109 can be configured to include female screwing threads 152 thatare complementary to the male screwing threads 120 of the screw neck 118of the body member 104, for releasably attaching the cap member 102 withthe body member 104.

The cap base 109 can also be configured to include the cap tag 140. Thecap tag 140 can be attached to the cap base 109 in various ways,including by embedding the cap tag 140 inside the cap base 109, such asby cutting or molding a compartment for the cap tag in the cap base andsealing the cap tag within the compartment. In some embodiments, the captag 140 is configured on a surface of the cap base 109, such as bygluing the cap tag 140 to the cap base 109. In some embodiments, the captag 140 can comprise an electronic identification tag, such as an RFIDtag. In some embodiments, the cap tag 140 can comprise an opticallyidentifiable pattern such as a barcode or dot sequence that is opticallyidentified by an optical sensor on the outer surface of the junction156. The cap tag 140 can be configured to provide identifyinginformation for the cap member 104, such as by a unique identifierand/or a code corresponding to a cap type. In some implementations, thecap tag 140 comprises an electrical contact that is configured tocontact a corresponding electrical contact configured on the body member104 when the cap member 102 and body member 104 are attached, fortransmitting information related to the cap member 102, such asidentifying information and placement information (e.g., that the capmember 102 has been attached to the body member 104).

Various embodiments of cap members configurable to releasably attach tothe body member 104 are disclosed herein. The cap member 102 shown inFIG. 5A is configured to facilitate the consumption of a liquid fooditem contained in the liquid holding volume 126 of the body member 104via the synthetic nipple 108 when attached at the orifice of the bodymember 104. Other embodiments for cap members can include featuressimilar to those of the cap member 102, including, for example, a capbase, insulation layer, and female screwing threads. In someembodiments, a cap member comprises an insulated storage cap. Forexample, an insulation layer may be constructed under a cap base of aninsulated cap and the cap base can be configured without a hole like thehole 154 shown in FIG. 5A with respect to the depicted cap member 109.An example embodiment is shown in FIGS. 11A-B. In some embodiments a capmember includes interchangeable nipples. In some embodiments, a capmember includes a spill-proof spout cap. In some embodiments a capmember includes an integrated straw cap. In some embodiments a capmember includes a soft edge open top cap.

FIG. 5B shows the body member 104 according to some embodiments of thetechnology. The body member 104 can be configured to include the innershell 128 configured within the outer shell 129 and separated by avacuum chamber 131. The outer shell 129 can be configured sleeved overthe inner shell 128, and the inner shell 128 and outer shell 129 can beconfigured to meet at a junction 156, forming the orifice 117 to theliquid holding volume 126. The body member 104 can also be configured tocomprise the screw neck 118 that extends from the junction 156 aroundthe circumference of the orifice 117. The screw neck 118 can beconfigured to comprise the male screwing threads 120.

The inner shell 128 can be constructed of any of various suitablematerials including, for example, stainless steel, glass, or Tefloncoated aluminum. The outer shell 129 can be constructed of any ofvarious suitable materials including, for example, stainless steel,Teflon coated aluminum, and/or silicone coated aluminum. The inner shell128 and outer shell 129 can be manufactured separately and weldedtogether. For example, the inner shell 128 and the outer shell 129 caneach be formed out of stainless steel using conventional moldingtechniques. Components of the body member 104, such as the thermalsensors 142, cap sensor 138, and volume sensor 144, can be glued orotherwise affixed to the outer surface of the inner shell 128, as shownin FIG. 5B, or elsewhere, as described, prior to the inner and outershells being welded together. A vacuum can be induced in the vacuumchamber 131 using, for example, a compressor.

A way of manufacturing the body member 104 can comprise the following.The outer shell 129 can be formed from stainless steel sheet-metal thatis stamped to size, rolled into a tube, and welded along the seam. TheInner shell 128 can be formed from stainless steel sheet-metal that isstamped to size, rolled into a tube, and welded along the seam. Theheight and diameter of inner shell 128 can be configured smaller thanthe diameter of outer shell 129 such that when outer shell 129 issleeved over inner shell 128, a gap where the vacuum chamber 131 will beis formed between the outer surface of the inner shell 128 and the innersurface of the outer shell 129. The inner shell floor 137 can be formedfrom stainless steel sheet-metal that is stamped to the diameter ofinner shell 128. The Inner shell floor 137 can be simultaneously stampedfor holes 160 through which the heating element connectors 173 andcomponent connectors 158 can be routed.

The heating element 130 can be placed down onto the inner surface ofinner shell floor 137, such that heating element connectors 173 protrudefrom the holes 160 on the outer surface of inner shell floor 137. Thestainless steel surface of heating element 130 can be welded to thestainless steel inner surface of the inner shell floor 137. The heatingelement connectors 173 can be secured within the holes 160 using glue orepoxy, such as vacuum epoxy and the glue or epoxy is cured usingstandard techniques. Vacuum epoxy may comprise a mixture of a resin andhardener, such as bisphenol-A-(Epichlorhydrin) and iminodiethylamine,quartz (SiO2), or bisphenol A.

The floor 137 of the inner shell 128 can be welded along the circularjunction of inner shell 128 and floor 137. Component connectors 158,configured to comprise, for example, thin wires or flex cables, can besleeved in a relatively low off-gassing electrically-insulating materialsuch as polyetheretherketone (PEEK), fiberglass, or polystyrene, and canbe cut to a length sufficient for connecting each component to thecircuit board 146. Component connectors 158 can be connected tocomponents of the body member 104.

Components of the body member 104, such as the thermal sensors 142, capsensor 138, and volume sensor 144, can be adhered or otherwise affixedto the outer surface of the inner shell 128, as shown in FIG. 5B, usinga glue or epoxy, such as vacuum epoxy, and the glue or epoxy can becured using standard techniques.

Components of the body member 104, such as the display 110 and button112, can be adhered or otherwise affixed to the outer surface of theouter shell 129, as shown in FIG. 5B, using a glue or epoxy, such asvacuum epoxy, and the glue or epoxy is cured using standard curingtechniques.

Component connectors 158 of the body member 104, can be configured torun from the components affixed to the outer surface of the inner shell128, including the thermal sensors 142, cap sensor 138, and volumesensor 144 temporarily aggregated at the outer surface of floor 137.

Component connectors 158 of the body member 104 can be run from thecomponents affixed to the outer surface of the outer shell 129,including to the display 110 and button 112 and temporarily aggregatedat the outer surface of floor 137.

As shown in FIG. 5B, the circuit board 146 can be configured outside thevacuum chamber 131. According to the following process, the circuitboard 146 can be configured outside the vacuum chamber 131.

The outer shell base 135 can be formed from stainless steel sheet-metalthat is stamped to the diameter of outer shell 129. The outer shell base135 can be simultaneously stamped for holes required for vacuumextraction and for routing leads through shell base 135 to the circuitboard 146. The component connectors 158 and the heating elementconnectors 173 can be routed through holes 160 on the outer shell base135. The component connectors 158 and the heating element connectors 173can be secured and sealed within holes 160 on the outer shell base 135using vacuum epoxy, which can be cured using standard techniques.

The outer shell base 135 can be welded along the circular junction ofthe outer shell 129 and the outer shell base 135. A vacuum can becreated in the vacuum chamber 131 by connecting a specialized compressorand spot-welder, metal inert gas (MIG) welder, tungsten inert gas (TIG)welder, or arc welder to the vacuum hole on the outer shell base 135that sequentially and seamlessly creates a vacuum in vacuum chamber 131,and the vacuum chamber 131 can be welded shut by welding the hole on theouter shell base 135 through which air was extracted.

All surface mounted components, including power socket 171 and mixermotor device 136, can be connected and/or surface-mounted to circuitboard 146. Plastic or stainless steel standoffs can be adhered toreserved “blank” spaces on the circuit board 146 using glue or epoxy.Component connectors 158 can be connected to circuit board 146. Thecircuit board 146 can be adhered to the outer surface of outer shellbase 135 via standoffs (not pictured) using glue or epoxy and curedusing standard methods. In some embodiments, standoffs are created aspart of the outer shell base 137 during the creation (e.g. stamping) ofthe outer shell base 137 and the circuit board 146 can be created withpredrilled holes aligned to standoffs of the outer shell base 137 suchthat the circuit board 146 can snap onto the standoffs of the outershell base 137.

In some embodiments, the circuit board 146 is configured within thevacuum chamber 131. To manufacture the device 100 such that the circuitboard is within the vacuum chamber (as shown in FIG. 8), the outer shell129 can be sleeved over the inner shell 128 and welded along thecircular junction 156. The outer shell base 135 can be formed fromstainless steel sheet-metal that is stamped to the diameter of outershell 129.

The outer shell base 135 can be simultaneously stamped for holesrequired, for example, for vacuum extraction and access to the powersocket 171. All surface mounted components, including power socket 171and mixer motor device 136, can be connected and/or surface-mounted tocircuit board 146. Plastic or stainless steel standoffs can be adheredto reserved “blank” spaces on the circuit board 146 using a glue orepoxy, such as vacuum epoxy and cured using standard methods. Componentconnectors 158 can be connected to circuit board 146. The circuit board146 can be configured adhered to inner shell floor 135 via standoffs(not pictured) using a glue or epoxy, such as vacuum epoxy and curedusing standard methods. In some embodiments, standoffs are created aspart of the shell base 135 during the creation (e.g. stamping) of theshell base 135 and the circuit board 146 can be created with predrilledholes aligned to standoffs of the shell base 135 such that the circuitboard 146 can snap onto the standoffs of shell base 135.

A cover for circuit board 146 (not pictured) can be made fromlow-off-gassing materials, such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK),fiberglass, or polystyrene and molded into a form that covers theexposed underside of circuit board 146 with cutouts for exposedconnectors, such as power socket 171. The cover can be placed overcircuit board 146 and sealed along its junction with inner surface floor135 using a sealing glue or epoxy, such as vacuum epoxy, and cured usingstandard techniques.

Exposed connectors, such as power socket 171, can be sealed along theirjunctions with the cover using a sealing glue or epoxy, such as vacuumepoxy, and cured using standard techniques. The outer shell base 135 canbe welded along the circular junction of inner shell 129 and outer shellbase 135. A seam between the power socket 171 and the outer base shell135 can be sealed using a glue or epoxy, such as vacuum epoxy, and curedusing standard techniques.

A vacuum can be created in the vacuum chamber 131 by connecting aspecialized compressor and welder to the vacuum hole on the outer shellbase 135 that sequentially and seamlessly creates a vacuum in vacuumchamber 131, and the vacuum chamber can then be welded shut by weldingthe hole on the outer shell base 135 through which air was extracted.

In some implementations, the screw neck 118 is constructed of stainlesssteel. For example, the screw neck 118 can be casted from stainlesssteel separately from the inner shell 128 and outer shell 129 and can beattached at the junction 156 of the inner and outer shells. For example,the screw neck 118 can be attached by welding the screw neck 118 to thejunction 156. In some embodiments, the screw neck 118 is configured aspart of the inner shell 128 instead of as a separate component that isattached to the inner and outer shells. For example, the inner shell 128can be casted to include the screw neck 118, and the outer shell 129 canbe welded to the inner shell 128 that includes the screw neck 118.

The body member 104 shown in FIG. 5B includes the thermal sensors 142,volume sensor 144, and cap sensor 138 configured on the outer surface ofthe inner shell 128. The thermal sensors 142, volume sensor 144, and capsensor 138 can be configured on the outer surface of the inner shell 128by, for example, attaching these components with an adhesive to theouter surface of the inner shell 128 using a glue or epoxy, such asvacuum epoxy, and cured using standard techniques. The thermal sensors142, volume sensor 144, cap sensor 138, and heating element 130 areconfigured to be electrically and communicatively coupled to the circuitboard 146, including the processor. As shown in FIG. 5B, the body membercan be configured to comprise wire connectors 158 and heating elementconnectors 173 that pass through holes 160 in the inner shell 128 and/orouter shell 129 to complete a connection between a component, such asthe thermal sensors 142, volume sensor 144, cap sensor 138, or heatingelement 130, and the circuit board 146, and the battery 148 of FIG. 5Cwhen the battery member 106 is attached to the base member 104. In someimplementations, the wire connectors 158 are flex connectors that areaffixed using an adhesive (e.g., glue) to the outer surface of the innershell 128 prior to the outer shell 129 being joined with the inner shell128. In some implementations, at least one of the thermal sensors 142,volume sensor 144, and cap sensor is configured elsewhere in the bodymember 104, such as on the inner surface of the inner shell 128.

As discussed herein, to connect the circuit board 146, which isconfigured outside the vacuum chamber 131, and the thermal sensors 142,volume sensor 144, and cap sensor 138, which are configured within thevacuum chamber 131, the wire connectors 158 can be passed throughrespective holes 160 that are drilled or stamped in the outer shell 129,and a vacuum-grade epoxy can be applied and cured in the hole 160 priorto a vacuum being applied to the vacuum chamber 131 and the inner andouter shells being conjoined. In some implementations, the body member104 can be configured to include only one hole 160, and multiple wireconnectors 158 can be aggregated and passed through the one hole 160.Fewer holes can reduce heat transfer among the liquid holding volume,the vacuum chamber, and a body base 168. The body member 104 shown inFIG. 5B includes multiple vacuum-grade epoxied holes 160 for passing thewire connectors 158 and heating element connectors 173 from outside thevacuum chamber 131 to within.

The thermal sensors 142 can be configured at different locations on theinner shell 128 in order to measure multiple values of temperature so asto estimate a representative temperature for liquid contained in theliquid holding volume. The thermal sensors 142 can also be configured todetect thermal gradients in a liquid in the liquid holding volume. Thethermal sensors 142 may comprise standard thermometers configured togenerate a temperature reading, which can be provided to the processor.

The body member may comprise the volume sensor 144 configured on theouter surface of the inner shell 128 at the floor 137 of the inner shell128. The volume sensor 144 can be configured to generate volume datathat can be used for calculating fluid volume in the liquid holdingvolume 126. In some implementations, the volume sensor comprises atleast one vibration emitter and at least one vibration sensor. In someimplementations, the volume emitter and sensor comprise at least onepiezoelectric resonator. In some implementations, the vibration emitterof the volume sensor 144 can be configured to generate a vibration at afirst frequency, and the vibration sensor can be configured to measurethe time-delay and frequency of vibrations sensed a short time after thegenerated vibration. Liquid in the liquid holding volume may dampen agenerated vibration and when a vibration travelling through a liquidreaches the surface of the liquid, a reflected frequency is generatedtowards the origin of the initial vibration. Given a known radius of theinternal liquid holding volume, r, in meters, a known constant value, v,in meters per seconds, of the propagation of the emitted vibration in aspecific liquid (e.g., the speed of sound for frequencies between 800kHz and 1.2<Hz in human milk) and the time difference between vibrationemission and response frequency detection, Δt, in seconds, a liquidvolume, v, in milliliters, can be calculated using the equation

$v = {\pi r*\left\lbrack \frac{\left( {\Delta t*v} \right)}{2} \right\rbrack*{10^{6}.}}$

The volume sensor 144 can be configured to periodically measure volumein this manner. In some embodiments, the vibration emitter and thevibration sensor are created using piezoelectric resonators. In someembodiments, the vibration emitter is configured at a different locationon the outer side of the inner shell 128 from the vibration sensor. Insome embodiments, the vibration emitter and the vibration sensor are thesame device. In some embodiments, the volume sensor 144 can beconfigured on the outer surface of the inner shell at a floor 137 of theinner shell.

In some embodiments, the volume sensor 144 can comprise at least onelight emitter and at least one light detector that are configured on theinner surface of the inner shell 128. For example, an array of at leasttwo light emitters (e.g. infrared light emitters) can be configuredvertically on the inner surface of the inner shell 128, and a one-to-onematching array of at least two light sensors (e.g. infrared lightsensors) can be situated vertically on the inner surface of the innershell and directly across from the light emitters. Each light emittercan be configured to emit a wavelength of light that is detected by thecounterpart light detector at that height. When liquid is present in theliquid holding volume, the liquid blocks or diffuses the light emittedby those emitters submerged in the liquid, and volume can be calculatedbased on measurements of light from each light detector.

A light emitter can emit a known wavelength spectrum of light (e.g.infrared) when power is applied. A light detector may be a photoelectricresistor that is factory-calibrated to a specific spectrum (e.g.infrared) and varies its resistivity based on the strength of light itdetects. A light detector connected to a voltage source can beconfigured to output a variable voltage based on the intensity of lightit senses from a corresponding emitter. The processor can be configuredto detect voltage deviations by light detectors from the expected value,which is the value corresponding to an unobstructed detection by adetector of light emitted by its paired emitter. Each infrared lightemitter/detector pair can be positioned along the inner shell 128 atincremental heights corresponding to different volume levels. Forexample, to determine liquid volume to a nearest 20 mL floor the lowestemitter/detector pair can be placed at a height corresponding toapproximately 0 mL liquid volume to cover the case where no liquid iswithin the liquid holding volume 126. The next emitter/detector pair canbe placed at a height corresponding to a 20 mL liquid volume. The nextemitter/detector pair can be placed at a height corresponding to a 40 mLliquid volume, and so on up to the desired maximum volume level (e.g.240 mL). When liquid is added to the liquid-holding volume, it willsubmerge some or all of the emitter/detector pairs. Depending on theliquid type, the emitters light will either be refracted or all togetherblocked from their paired detector. Those emitter/detector pairs thatare not submerged will generate a normal detection signal. In thisexample, the processor can be configured estimate liquid volume to thenearest 20 mL floor by identifying the highest detector in the arrayreturning an abnormal signal.

The cap sensor 138 can be configured to detect and read data from thecap tag 140 of the cap member 102. The cap sensor 138 can be configuredto transmit detected data to the processor. The cap sensor 138 can beused for detecting the presence of the cap member 102 and/or identifyinginformation for the cap member 102 when the cap tag 140 is detected. Thecap sensor 138 can be configured to detect and read the correspondingcap tag 140 of the cap member 104. In some embodiments, the cap sensor138 is a standard RFID sensor. For example, the cap sensor 138 can beconfigured to generate an interrogation signal and detect a resultingsignal induced in the cap tag 140. In some embodiments, the cap sensor138 can comprise a contact switch arranged at the junction 156 of theinner shell 128 and outer shell 129, where it can contact acorresponding cap tag 140 configured on the cap member 102 when the capmember is attached to the body member 104. In some embodiments, the capsensor 138 comprises a contact switch that is configured to generate asignal indicating that the cap member 102 is securely fastened to thebody member 104.

The body member 104 includes the display 110 and the button 112configured on the outer surface of the outer shell 129. The display 110and the button 112 can be affixed to the outer surface of the outershell 129 by an adhesive such as a vacuum epoxy. The display 110 and thebutton 112 can be configured to be electrically and communicativelycoupled to the circuit board 146 via wire connectors 158. The wireconnectors 158 can be passed from a body base 168 to the outer surfaceof the outer shell via a conduit 162 in a body base wall 169 of the bodybase 168. The wire connectors 158 can be secured to the outer surface ofthe outer shell 129 using an adhesive. The display can be connected andwired to the circuit board 146 after the inner shell 128 and the outershell 129 have been joined.

In some implementations, the body member 104 can be configured toinclude a thermal reflector 164 configured on the outer surface of theinner shell 128 at the floor 137 of the inner shell 128. The thermalreflector 164 may comprise a layer of copper and/or titanium dioxidedeposited on the outer surface of the inner shell 128 at the floor ofthe inner shell 128. The layer of copper may be deposited via metalplating techniques. The body member 104 can be configured to include athermal insulator 166 configured on the thermal reflector 164. Thethermal insulator 166 may comprise, for example, a layer of siliconedeposited on the thermal reflector 164 as a painted or sprayed layer viastandard manufacturing techniques. In some embodiments, a thermalreflector and thermal insulator can be deposited on the outer surface ofthe inner shell 128 at locations beyond the floor 137.

The body member 104 can be configured to include the body base 168defined on one side by the outer surface of the outer shell 129 at theouter shell base 135 and by the body base wall 169 of the body base. Thebody base 168 can be configured to house components, such as the circuitboard 146, outside of the vacuum chamber 131 and the liquid holdingvolume and within the body member 104. The body base wall 169 can alsobe configured to define female screwing threads 170 for receivingcomplementary male screwing threads 114 of the battery member 106 andattaching with the battery member 106. The body base wall 169 canconstructed out of plastic or metal, for example, stainless steel, andwelded onto the outer surface of the outer shell 129 at a circumferenceof the outer shell base 135, thereby encasing the components therein inthe body base 168. The body base wall 169 can be configured to includethe power socket 171 that is configured to electrically couple to acorresponding power terminal 145 of the battery member 106 when thebattery member 106 is attached to the body member 140. The power socket171 can be electrically connected to the circuit board 146 in the bodybase 168.

The body member 104 can be configured to include the circuit board 146.The circuit board can be mounted in the body base 168 by attaching thecircuit board to mounts glued on the internal surface of the body basewall 169. The circuit board 146 can comprise at least some components ofa computing system 300, as described herein. For example, the circuitboard can comprise a processor and memory. The circuit board 146 canalso be configured to include various sensors and other circuitry,including an orientation sensor 175. An orientation sensor can also beconfigured discrete from the circuit board and can be attached to theouter surface of the outer shell 129. In some embodiments, theorientation sensor 175 can comprise a tilt sensor, an accelerometer,and/or a gyroscope, used individually or in combination. The circuitboard can also comprise communications hardware modules, such as WiFiand Bluetooth transceivers. The circuit board 146 and computing system300 can be electrically and communicatively coupled with the heatingelement 130, mixer device 132 (comprising the mixer motor 136 and mixingelement 134), cap sensor 138, thermal sensor 142, and volume sensor 144,and also with the display 110 and button 112. These components can alsobe coupled to the battery 148 of the battery member 106, via the powersocket 171, when the battery member 106 is attached with the body member104.

The body member 104 includes the heating element 130 configured on theinner surface of the inner shell 128 at the floor 137 of the inner shell128. The body member 104 includes the mixing element 134 disposed on theinner surface of the inner shell 128. The mixing element is configuredto be coupled with the motor device 136 such that the motor devicecauses the mixing element to spin around a center axis, thus agitatingand stirring a liquid food item contained in the liquid holding volume126. The heating element can be powered via heating element connectors173. In some implementations, the heating element connectors 173 cancomprise a positive voltage line to the power source and a ground line.In some implementations, the heating element connectors 173 can comprisea positive voltage line to the power source and a common ground usingthe inner shell 128 via heating element lining 177. The heating element130 may be configured comprising resistive elements connecting thepositive voltage line and ground line. The heating element connectors173 can be passed through at least one hole 160 through each of theinner shell 128 and outer shell, and any layers 164, 166 therebetween.Holes made in the inner or outer shells 128, 129 can be sealed by curinga vacuum rated epoxy in the holes.

FIG. 5C shows the battery member 106, including a battery 148, malescrew threads 114, and a battery connector 145. The battery connector145 is configured to electrically connect the battery 148 with thecircuit board 146 when the battery member 106 is attached to the bodymember 104. The battery member 106 can comprise a battery case 147. Thebattery case 147 may be molded out of, for example, stainless steel orplastic.

FIG. 6A-B are schematic perspective views of the heating element 130 andmixing element of the liquid food item preparation device 100 inaccordance with embodiments of the disclosed technology. As shown inFIG. 6A, the heating element 130 can be configured at the floor 137 ofthe inner shell 128 on an inner surface of the inner shell 128 of thebody member 104. The inner shell 128 and outer shell are shown in FIG.6A as cut away and transparent for purposes of clarity. The heatingelement 130 can include a flow window 176 for passing a liquid food itemaround the heating element 130 on all surfaces of the heating element inorder to mix the liquid food item within the liquid holding volume ofthe body member 104.

FIG. 6B shows a stripped-down view of the heating element 130, showinglayers and components of the heating element 130. Dashed lines indicatethat at least one layer has been removed for the illustration. Theheating element 130 can comprise multiple resistive elements 180connected between power rails, including a positive power rail 182 and aground rail 184. The positive power rail 182 can be electricallyconnected to the power socket 171 of the body member 104 (FIG. 5B) viaheating element connector 173. The positive power rail 182 can beelectrically connected to the power socket 171 via a PWM-actuated,processor controlled MOSFET switch in between the power socket 171 andthe positive power rail 182. The ground rail 184 can be connected to aground (e.g., the outer shell 129 (FIG. 5B)) via a heating elementconnector 173. In some embodiments, the ground rail 184 can be connectedto a ground (e.g., the outer shell 129 (FIG. 5B)) via a heating elementliner 177. The resistive elements 180 can be coated in anon-electrically conductive thermal compound 178, such as magnesiumoxide, and a heating element lining 177, such as stainless steel.

The mixer motor 136 is configured below the floor 137 of the inner shell128, the thermal reflector 164, and the thermal insulator 166, and belowthe outer shell base 135. In some embodiments, the mixer motor 136 canbe configured to comprise multiple magnets 187 of alternative polarityarrange in a circular fashion on a spinning plate 185 of the motor 136.The mixer element 134 can be configured to comprise a magneticallypositive side 134 a and a magnetically negative side 134 b. The mixerelement 134 can be configured to be magnetically coupled to the motor136 such that the mixer element 134 is magnetically forced to the floor137 of the inner shell 128. The motor 136 can be configured to cause thespinning plate 185 to spin when a mixing signal is applied to the motor136. The motor 136 can cause the mixing element 134 to rotate above themotor on the inner surface of the inner shell 128 at the floor 137 ofthe inner shell. A liquid food item contained in the liquid holdingvolume 126 can be mixed and pushed around the surfaces of the heatingelement 130 as a result of the rotation of the mixer element 134.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a perspective view of analternative heating element 130 of the liquid food item preparationsystem in according with some embodiments of the disclosed technology.The heating element 130 includes groups of four resistive panels 180arranged around the circumference of the heating element 130. Theheating element 130 can comprise flow windows 176 separating eachgrouping of four resistive panels 180, enabling a greater flow of liquidaround the mixing element 134. The resistive panels 180 depicted in FIG.7 can be coated in a non-electrically conductive thermal compound andadditional linings.

FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a body member 104 ofthe liquid food item preparation device 100 illustrating an alternativearrangement of components of the liquid food item preparation device 100in accordance with embodiments of the disclosed technology. Somecomponents of the device 100 described with respect to FIG. 5B that wereconfigured outside the vacuum chamber 131 in the embodiments in FIG. 5Bare configured within the vacuum chamber 131 in the embodiments of FIG.8. For example, the circuit board 146 and mixer motor 136 are arrangedwithin the vacuum chamber 131 between the inner shell 128 and outershell 129. The volume sensor 144 is shown configured on the outersurface of the inner shell at the floor 137 of the inner shell 128.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating hardware/software components of acontrol system 200 for the liquid food item preparation device 100. Eventhough various embodiments of the control system 200 are described belowwith reference to the liquid food item preparation device 100 of FIGS.1-8, in other embodiments, the control system 200 can also be performedwith other suitable types of computing frameworks, systems, components,devices, or modules.

The control system 200 comprises a user interface module 202, apreparation module 204, a safety module 206, a temperature module 208, aheating control module 210, a mixing control module 212, a volumedetermination module 214, a cap identification module 216, and a datalogging module 218. The control system 200 can be configured to receivetemperature data from the thermal sensors 142, cap data from the capsensor 138, volume data from the volume sensor 144, button data from thebutton 112, and orientation data from the orientation sensor 175, and togenerate display data for operating the display 110, a heating signalfor operating the heating element 130, and a mixing signal for operatingthe mixer motor 136.

The user interface module 202 can be configured to receive button dataand generate display data. The button data can comprise, for example,data indicating that the button 112 is being pressed. The user interfacemodule 202 can be configured to determine a user input based at least inpart on comparing the button data with data associated with predefinedinstructions. For example, a sensed long press (e.g., one secondengagement of the button) may be associated with an instruction toprepare a liquid food item, while two sensed consecutive taps can beassociated with a user settings input mode that allows a user to changesettings for the device 100. When, for example, a long press is sensed,the user interface module 202 can determine that an instruction to entera heating mode has been received.

The user interface module 202 can be configured to generate display databased at least in part on information provided by the preparation module204, temperature module 208, safety module 206, heating control module210, mixing control module 212, volume determination module 214, and capidentification module 216. For example, the user interface module can beconfigured to generate data for displaying, via the display device 110,a temperature of the liquid holding volume, as determined by thetemperature module 208 based on temperature data received from thethermal sensors 142.

In some implementations, the liquid food item preparation device 100comprises additional or other components that can be used forinterfacing with a user. For example, the device 100 may comprise atouchscreen device, and the user interface module 202 can be configuredto determine a user input based on detected touch input sensed by thetouchscreen device. In some implementations, the device 100 isconfigured to communicate with another device via, for example,Bluetooth, and the user interface module 202 can be configured toreceive user input via the other device and generate data that can beused by the other device to display information to the user. Forexample, the device 100 may be configured to connect via Bluetooth witha smartphone, and the smartphone can be configured to generate userinterfaces comprising data provided by the user interface module 202. Anapplication running on the smartphone can display historical feedingdata, receive user input (e.g. timer input for entering a preparationmode), and so forth.

The preparation module 204 can be configured to determine whether theliquid food item preparation device 100 is to prepare a liquid fooditem, and to generate instructions for preparing the liquid food item.The instructions for preparing the liquid food item can be provided tothe heating control module 210 and the mixing control module 212. Thepreparation module 204 can also provide data to the user interfacemodule 202, which can be used, for example, to provide system statusinformation to the user via the display device 110. The preparationmodule 204 can also be configured to provide data related to preparationto the safety module 206, including, for example, whether the heatingcontrol module 210 is being instructed to power the heating element 130.

The preparation module 204 can be configured to determine whether thedevice 100 is to prepare a liquid food item based at least in part onreceiving an instruction to prepare the liquid food item. In someimplementations, the preparation module 204 can be configured todetermine to prepare a liquid food item when user input data provided bythe user interface module 202 comprises an instruction to prepare theliquid food item. For example, the instruction may comprise to enter apreparation mode of the device 100. In some implementations, theinstruction comprises an instruction to immediately enter thepreparation mode. For example, the instruction may be generated based ona detected long press of the button 112. In some implementations, theinstruction comprises an expiration of a timer, the timer determinedbased on input from the user.

The preparation module 204 can be configured to cause the device 100 toprepare a liquid food item by generating heating instructions and mixinginstructions that are provided to the heating control module 210 andmixing control module 212, respectively. Heating instructions cancomprise, for example, a duty cycle for a pulse-width modulated (PWM)signal for powering the heating element 130. Mixing instructions cancomprise, for example, a duty cycle for a PWM signal for powering themixer motor 136. In some implementations, heating and mixinginstructions can respectively also comprise a duration of time thatpower should be applied to the heating or mixing element.

The preparation module 204 can be configured to determine heating andmixing instructions based at least in part on data provided by thetemperature module 208 and volume determination module 214. In someimplementations, the preparation module 204 can be configured todetermine heating and/or mixing instructions based at least in part ondata contained in a table stored in device data storage 219, the tablecontaining predetermined heating and mixing instructions stored inassociation with volume and/or temperature values. The preparationmodule 204 can be configured to compare volume and/or temperatureinformation received from the temperature module 208 and/or volumedetermination module 214 with the volume and temperature values in thetable to identify associated heating and/or mixing instructions. Forexample, the preparation module 204 may periodically compare a receivedtemperature value to temperature values contained in the table, thetemperature values including instructions for temperatures within atemperature range. Heating instructions for a sensed temperature withina first temperature range may, for example, be different from heatinginstructions for a sensed temperature in a second temperature range.Heating instructions may, for example, comprise a duty cycle for a PWMsignal when the temperature in the liquid holding volume is between 20degrees Fahrenheit and 5 degrees Fahrenheit from a consumptiontemperature, and a lower frequency duty cycle for a PWM signal when thetemperature in the liquid holding volume is between 5 degrees Fahrenheitfrom the consumption temperature. In some implementations, the heatinginstructions can also include a magnitude and/or time duration for theheating signal.

In some implementations, the preparation module 204 is configured todetermine heating instructions for the heating control module 210 basedon a function whose variables include at least measured volume and/ormeasured temperature, as provided by the volume determination module 214and the temperature module 206, respectively. In some implementations,the preparation module 204 is configured to determine mixinginstructions for the mixing control module 212 based on a function whosevariables include at least a measured volume and/or a measuredtemperature. In some implementations, the preparation module 204 isconfigured to generate mixing instructions that powers the mixer motor136, causing the mixing element 134 to spin, whenever the heatinginstructions comprise an instruction to power the heating element 130.

In some implementations, the preparation module 204 can be configured todetermine heating and/or mixing instructions based at least in part oninformation provided by the cap identification module 216. For example,a table comprising heating instructions may include instructions toreduce a PWM frequency included in heating instructions when a first capis sensed attached to the device 100, relative to when a second cap issensed attached to the device 100.

In some implementations, prior to or during preparation of a liquid fooditem, the preparation module 204 can be configured to determine whetherthe device 100 is fit for liquid food item preparation. In response todetermining that the device 100 is fit for liquid food item preparation,the preparation module 204 can proceed with preparation of the liquidfood item if such an instruction is received. In response to determiningthat the device 100 is unfit for liquid food item preparation, thepreparation module 204 can be configured to discontinue liquid food itempreparation or refrain from commencing liquid food item preparation ifit has not begun. In response to determining that the device 100 isunfit for liquid food item preparation, the preparation module 204 canbe configured to generate heating and/or mixing instructions fordirecting the heating control module 210 and/or mixing control module212 to refrain from powering the heating element 130 and/or the mixingmotor 136.

In some implementations, the preparation module 204 is configured todetermine whether the device 100 is fit for liquid food item preparationbased at least in part on data received from the safety module 208. Insome implementations, data provided by the safety module 206 includes aflag indicating whether the device 100 is fit or unfit for liquid fooditem preparation.

In some implementations, the safety module 206 can be configured togenerate an unfit flag when a value for a safety characteristicassociated with the device 100 or a device component does not meetcriteria for an acceptable value for the safety characteristic, theacceptable value being associated with the device being fit forpreparation of the liquid food item. In some implementations, the safetymodule 206 is configured to monitor predefined safety characteristicsassociated with the device 100 or a device component. For example, insome implementations, the safety module 206 can be configured toperiodically sample a value of a safety characteristic and compare thesampled value to acceptable values for the safety characteristic.

In some implementations, a safety characteristic associated with thedevice 100 comprises volume of liquid food item in the liquid holdingvolume 126. For example, the safety module 206 can be configured togenerate an unfit flag when an observed volume of a liquid food item, asreceived from the volume determination module 214, is less than apredetermined minimum threshold volume for liquid food item preparation.In some implementations, a safety characteristic comprises anorientation of the device 100. For example, the safety module 206 can beconfigured to generate an unfit flag when it determines that anorientation of the device 100 is not within a predetermined acceptablerange of orientation for liquid food item preparation. The safety module206 may receive orientation data generated by the orientation sensor 175and compare the orientation data with predetermined orientation valuesassociated with acceptable orientations of the device for liquid fooditem preparation. As an example, an acceptable orientation may compriseany orientation within +−5 degrees of upright. The safety module 206 canbe configured to generate an unfit tag when orientation data receivedfrom the orientation sensor is not within the degree of range ofacceptable orientations.

Other safety characteristics that the safety module 206 can beconfigured to monitor for determining whether to generate an unfit flaginclude a temperature of the battery 148 as measured and provided by abattery thermometer configured in the battery member 106, a currentdrain on the battery 148 as compared to a maximum allowable currentdrain, a voltage of the battery 148 as compared to a minimum batteryvoltage threshold for preparation, an output voltage of the battery 148as compared to a maximum allowable output voltage, and a measuredtemperature at the circuit board (or any integrated circuits thereon) ascompared to a predetermined maximum temperature.

The temperature module 208 can be configured to receive temperature datafrom thermal sensors 142 and calculate a temperature of the liquid fooditem based on the received temperature data. In some implementations,the temperature data comprises a single temperature reading captured bya single thermal sensor 142, and the temperature module 208 can provideother components of the system 200 the single temperature reading. Insome implementations, the temperature data received from thermal sensors142 can comprise multiple temperature readings captured simultaneouslyby different thermal sensors 142 configured on the device 100. Thetemperature module 206 can be configured to generate a compositetemperature that is determined based at least in part on each of themultiple temperature readings. For example, the temperature module 206can be configured to compute an average of the multiple temperaturereadings to create a composite temperature. The temperature module 206can provide the composite temperature to other modules when two or morethermal sensors are used for sensing temperature.

The heating control module 210 can be configured to receive heatinginstructions from the preparation module 204 and generate a heatingsignal based at least in part on the heating instructions. For example,the heating control module 210 can be configured to receive, from thepreparation module 204, a value for a duty cycle of a PWM signal and togenerate a PWM signal having the received duty cycle for powering theheating element 130. In some implementations, the heating control module210 can be configured to generate a heating signal for a duration oftime specified in the heating instructions received from the preparationmodule 204. In some implementations, the heating control module 210 canbe configured to generate a heating signal as long as the preparationmodule 204 is providing a heating instruction, and the heating controlmodule 210 can be configured to discontinue generating the heatingsignal when the heating instruction is no longer being received.

The mixing control module 210 can be configured to receive mixinginstructions from the preparation module 204 and generate a mixingsignal based at least in part on the mixing instructions. For example,the mixing control module 212 can be configured to receive, from thepreparation module 204, a value for a duty cycle of a PWM signal and togenerate a PWM signal having the received specified duty cycle forpowering the mixing motor 136, and thereby engaging the mixing element134. In some implementations, the mixing control module 212 can beconfigured to generate a mixing signal for a duration of time specifiedin the mixing instructions received from the preparation module 204. Insome implementations, the mixing control module 212 can be configured togenerate a mixing signal as long as the preparation module 204 isproviding a mixing instruction, and the mixing control module 212 can beconfigured to discontinue generating the mixing signal when the mixinginstruction is no longer being received.

The volume determination module 214 can be configured to receive volumedata from the volume sensor 144 and calculate a volume measurement forliquid in the liquid holding volume 126 of the device 100 based at leastin part on the received volume data. In some implementations, volumedata comprises a frequency of a vibration produced by the volume sensor144 and a frequency of a resulting vibration sensed in the device by thevolume sensor 144 a short time after the produced vibration.

The cap identification module 216 can be configured to receive cap datafrom the cap sensor 138. The cap data may comprise an indication that acap is present on the device 100. The cap data may also comprise anidentifier associated with the cap present on the device 100. Forexample, the cap data may comprise an identifier of a detected RFID tagthat can be compared with identifiers associated with various types ofcaps. In some embodiments, the cap identification module 216 providesinformation related to a cap that is present on the device 100 to theuser interface module 202, preparation module 204, and/or the safetymodule 208.

The control system 200 can also include a data logging module 218 forcapturing data associated with the operation of the device 100, such aspreparation data and consumption data. For example, preparation data maycomprise measurements including time, temperature, volume, and so forth.Consumption data may comprise time of consumption, temperature of liquidat preparation time, volume of liquid consumed, and so forth. Thecaptured data associated with the operation of the device can be storedin device data storage 219 and exported via, for example, Bluetooth to amobile device such as a smartphone. Device data storage 219 can includeother data for the device as well, including consumption temperaturedata, data related to preparation, and so forth.

FIGS. 10A-B are flowcharts illustrating various processes of preparationof a liquid food item in accordance with embodiments of the disclosedtechnology. Even though various embodiments of the processes aredescribed below with reference to the liquid food item preparationdevice 100 of FIGS. 1-8 and the control system 200 of FIG. 9, in otherembodiments, the processes can also be performed with other suitabletypes of computing frameworks, systems, components, devices, or modules.

As shown in FIG. 10A, a process 220 can include receiving an instructionto prepare a liquid food item for consumption at stage 222. Theinstruction may comprise, for example, an indication of a button pressbeing received, the button press associated with an instruction toprepare a liquid food item.

The process 220 can then include determining whether the liquid fooditem preparation device 100 is fit for preparation of the liquid fooditem at decision stage 224. In some implementations, determining whetherthe liquid food item preparation device 100 is fit for preparation ofthe liquid food item comprises monitoring values for a predetermined setof safety characteristics associated with the device and determiningwhether any value does not meet criteria for an acceptable value for therespective safety characteristic associated with the value, theacceptable value being associated with the device being fit for liquidfood item preparation with respect to that safety characteristic.

If the liquid food item preparation device 100 is determined to be unfitfor preparation of the liquid food item, the process 220 can includediscontinuing preparation of the liquid food item at stage 226. In someimplementations, discontinuing preparation of the liquid food item cancomprise refraining from commencing liquid food item preparation. Insome implementations, discontinuing preparation of the liquid food itemcan comprise halting preparation of a liquid food item, includinghalting application of a voltage across a heating element and/or a mixermotor. In some implementations, the liquid food item preparation device100 can display an interface and/or generate an alarm indicating thatthe liquid food item preparation device 100 has been determined to beunfit for preparation.

If the liquid food item preparation device 100 is determined to be fitfor preparation of the liquid food item, the process 220 can includemeasuring a temperature in the liquid holding volume of the liquid fooditem preparation device 100 at stage 228. The process 220 can theninclude determining whether the measured temperature is at a consumptiontemperature at decision stage 230. In some implementations, determiningwhether the measured temperature is at a consumption temperaturecomprises determining whether the measured temperature is greater thanor equal to a consumption temperature. In some implementations,determining whether the measured temperature is at a consumptiontemperature comprises determining whether the measured temperature iswithin a buffer range of a consumption temperature. For example, in someimplementations, in order to ensure that a liquid food item is notheated beyond a consumption temperature, the liquid food itempreparation device 100 can determine that the measured temperature is atthe consumption temperature when the measured temperature is less thanthe consumption temperature by less than a predetermined acceptabletemperature difference.

If at decision stage 230 it is determined that the measured temperatureof the liquid food item is at the consumption temperature, the process220 can include preserving the liquid food item at stage 232. In someimplementations, preserving the liquid food item comprises refrainingfrom powering the heating element. In some implementations, preservingthe liquid food item comprises refraining from powering the heatingelement while powering a mixer motor. In some implementations,preserving the liquid food item comprises refraining from powering boththe heating element and the mixer motor. In some implementations,preserving the liquid food item comprises periodically measuring atemperature of the liquid food item and entering a preparation mode forpreparing the liquid food item when the temperature of the liquid fooditem falls below a threshold consumption preservation temperature. Forexample, the liquid food item preservation device can be configured toprepare a liquid food item for consumption after it has already beenprepared for consumption when a temperature of the liquid food itemfalls by a predetermined amount from the consumption temperature. Insome implementations, preserving the liquid food item can comprisegenerating an indication and/or an interface indicating that the liquidfood item has been prepared. For example, the liquid food itempreservation device can generate an alarm when it is determined that themeasured temperature of the liquid food item is at a consumptiontemperature. In some implementations, the liquid food item preservationsystem includes a buzzer or another audio generation component that canbe configured to sound the alarm.

If at decision stage 230 it is determined that the measured temperatureis not at the consumption temperature, the process 220 can includepreparing the liquid food item at stage 234. In some implementations,preparing the liquid food item can include applying a heating signal anda mixing signal to the heating element and mixer motor for apredetermined duration of time. In some implementations, preparing theliquid food item can include applying a heating signal and/or a mixingsignal to the heating element and/or mixing element, respectively,according to at least one function whose variables comprise at least oneof a volume of the liquid food item and a temperature of the liquid fooditem. For example, in some implementations, for preparation of a liquidfood item, a heating signal can be applied to a heating element for agreater duration of time for a first measured temperature of the liquidfood item relative to the duration of time that the heating signal isapplied to the heating element for a second measured temperature, whenthe first measured temperature is less than the second measuredtemperature. An example of preparing the liquid food item is describedin more detail below with reference to FIG. 10B.

The process 220 can then include returning to decision stage 224 anddetermining whether the liquid food item preparation device 100 is fitfor preparation. In some implementations, the process 220 cycles throughstages 224, 228, 230, and 234 until either it is determined that theliquid food item preparation device 100 is unfit for preparation of theliquid food item or the temperature of the liquid food item is at theconsumption temperature. In some implementations, the liquid food itempreparation device 100 can be configured to receive an instruction froma user to discontinue preparation of a liquid food item, and in responseto receiving the instruction, the process 220 can be terminated. In someimplementations, stages 224-234 can be performed periodically orcontinuously. In some implementations, stages 224, 228, 230, and 234 canbe performed concurrently. For example, the liquid food item preparationdevice 100 can be configured to continuously sample temperature in aliquid holding volume and adjust preparation of a liquid food item basedat least in part on the sampled temperature. For example, a heatingsignal and/or a mixing signal can be adjusted as a sampled temperaturein the liquid holding volume increases, while the liquid food itempreparation device 100 periodically samples measurements to determinewhether the liquid food item preparation device 100 is fit forpreparation.

FIG. 10B illustrates example operations of preparing a liquid food item.As shown in FIG. 10B, a process 240 includes determining a volume of theliquid food item in the liquid holding volume at stage 242. Theoperations include calculating a mixing signal at stage 244. In someimplementations, calculating a mixing signal comprises calculating amixing signal based at least in part on the volume of the liquid fooditem. The operations include operating the mixer motor according to themixing signal at stage 246. Operating the mixer motor can comprisecausing the mixing element to rotate within the liquid holding volume ofthe device 100. The operations include calculating a heating signal atstage 248. In some implementations, calculating a heating signalcomprises calculating a heating signal based at least in part on thevolume of the liquid food item and the measured temperature in theliquid holding volume of the device 100. The operations includeoperating the heating element according to the heating signal at stage250. Operating the heating element can include applying the heatingsignal to the heating element, thereby causing the heating element totransfer heat to the liquid food item in the liquid holding volume ofthe device 100. In some implementations, stages 242, 244, and 248 can beperformed concurrently and prior to stages 246 and 250. For example, theliquid food item preparation device 100 can be configured to calculate amixing signal at stage 244 and calculate a heating signal at stage 248before operating the mixer device at stage 246 or operating the heatingelement at stage 250.

FIGS. 9-10B illustrate certain hardware/software components and/orprocesses for implementation by a liquid food item preparation device inaccordance with embodiments of the disclosed technology. In FIGS. 9-10B,and in other Figures herein, individual software components, objects,classes, modules, and routines may be a computer program, procedure, orprocess written as source code in C, C++, C#, Java, and/or othersuitable programming languages. A component may include, withoutlimitation, one or more modules, objects, classes, routines, properties,processes, threads, executables, libraries, or other components.Components may be in source or binary form. Components may includeaspects of source code before compilation (e.g., classes, properties,procedures, routines), compiled binary units (e.g., libraries,executables), or artifacts instantiated and used at runtime (e.g.,objects, processes, threads).

Components within a system may take different forms within the system.As one example, a system comprising a first component, a secondcomponent and a third component can, without limitation, encompass asystem that has the first component being a property in source code, thesecond component being a binary compiled library, and the thirdcomponent being a thread created at runtime. The computer program,procedure, or process may be compiled into object, intermediate, ormachine code and presented for execution by one or more processors of apersonal computer, a network server, a laptop computer, a smartphone,and/or other suitable computing devices.

Equally, components may include hardware circuitry. A person of ordinaryskill in the art would recognize that hardware may be consideredfossilized software, and software may be considered liquefied hardware.As just one example, software instructions in a component may be burnedto a Programmable Logic Array circuit, or may be designed as a hardwarecircuit with appropriate integrated circuits. Equally, hardware may beemulated by software. Various implementations of source, intermediate,and/or object code and associated data may be stored in a computermemory that includes read-only memory, random-access memory, magneticdisk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory devices, and/orother suitable computer readable storage media excluding propagatedsignals.

FIGS. 11A-B are schematic diagrams showing an embodiment of a cap membercomprising a storage cap 188. As shown in FIG. 11A, the storage cap 188can comprise a cap that includes no hole. The storage cap 188 can beconfigured to insulate the liquid holding volume of a body member whenthe storage cap 188 is attached to the body member, such as the bodymember 104. FIG. 11B shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of thestorage cap 188 taken along line GH in FIG. 11A, in accordance withembodiments of the disclosure. The storage cap 188 can be configured tocomprise a storage cap base 190, which can be constructed out of, forexample, stainless steel. The storage cap 188 can be configured tocomprise a layer of insulative material 189 deposited on the entireunder surface of the storage cap base 190 that is exposed to the liquidholding volume of a body member that it is attached to, such as the bodymember 104 of FIG. 5B. In some implementations, the insulative material189 comprises plastic. The storage cap base 190 can be configured tocomprise screwing threads 152. The storage cap base 190 can beconfigured to include a cap tag 142.

FIG. 12 is a computing device 300 suitable for certain components of theliquid food item preparation device in FIGS. 1-8 and the control systemin FIG. 9. For example, the computing device 300 can be suitable for theintegrated circuits on the circuit board 146, including the processorand memory. In a very basic configuration 302, the computing device 300can include one or more processors 304 and a system memory 306. A memorybus 308 can be used for communicating between processor 304 and systemmemory 306.

Depending on the desired configuration, the processor 304 can be of anytype including but not limited to a microprocessor (μP), amicrocontroller (μC), a digital signal processor (DSP), or anycombination thereof. The processor 304 can include one more levels ofcaching, such as a level-one cache 310 and a level-two cache 312, aprocessor core 314, and registers 316. An example processor core 314 caninclude an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a floating point unit (FPU), adigital signal processing core (DSP Core), or any combination thereof.An example memory controller 318 can also be used with processor 304, orin some implementations memory controller 318 can be an internal part ofprocessor 304.

Depending on the desired configuration, the system memory 306 can be ofany type including but not limited to volatile memory (such as RAM),non-volatile memory (such as ROM, flash memory, etc.) or any combinationthereof. The system memory 306 can include an operating system 320, oneor more applications 322, and program data 324.

The computing device 300 can have additional features or functionality,and additional interfaces to facilitate communications between basicconfiguration 302 and any other devices and interfaces. For example, abus/interface controller 330 can be used to facilitate communicationsbetween the basic configuration 302 and one or more data storage devices332 via a storage interface bus 334. The data storage devices 332 can beremovable storage devices 336, non-removable storage devices 338, or acombination thereof. Examples of removable storage and non-removablestorage devices include magnetic disk devices such as flexible diskdrives and hard-disk drives (HDD), optical disk drives such as compactdisk (CD) drives or digital versatile disk (DVD) drives, solid statedrives (SSD), and tape drives to name a few. Example computer storagemedia can include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removablemedia implemented in any method or technology for storage ofinformation, such as computer readable instructions, data structures,program modules, or other data. The term “computer readable storagemedia” or “computer readable storage device” excludes propagated signalsand communication media.

The system memory 306, removable storage devices 336, and non-removablestorage devices 338 are examples of computer readable storage media.Computer readable storage media include, but are not limited to, RAM,ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digitalversatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes,magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices,or any other media which can be used to store the desired informationand which can be accessed by computing device 300. Any such computerreadable storage media can be a part of computing device 300. The term“computer readable storage medium” excludes propagated signals andcommunication media.

The computing device 300 can also include an interface bus 340 forfacilitating communication from various interface devices (e.g., outputdevices 342, peripheral interfaces 344, and communication devices 346)to the basic configuration 302 via bus/interface controller 330. Exampleoutput devices 342 include a graphics processing unit 348 and an audioprocessing unit 350, which can be configured to communicate to variousexternal devices such as a display or speakers via one or more A/V ports352. Example peripheral interfaces 344 include a serial interfacecontroller 354 or a parallel interface controller 356, which can beconfigured to communicate with external devices such as input devices(e.g., keyboard, mouse, pen, voice input device, touch input device,etc.) or other peripheral devices (e.g., printer, scanner, etc.) via oneor more I/O ports 358. An example communication device 346 includes anetwork controller 360, which can be arranged to facilitatecommunications with one or more other computing devices 362 over anetwork communication link via one or more communication ports 364.

The network communication link can be one example of a communicationmedia. Communication media can typically be embodied by computerreadable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other datain a modulated data signal, such as a carrier wave or other transportmechanism, and can include any information delivery media. A “modulateddata signal” can be a signal that has one or more of its characteristicsset or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal.By way of example, and not limitation, communication media can includewired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, andwireless media such as acoustic, radio frequency (RF), microwave,infrared (IR) and other wireless media. The term computer readable mediaas used herein can include both storage media and communication media.

The computing device 300 can be implemented as a portion of the liquidfood item preparation device 100. The liquid food item preparationdevice 100 can be configured to comprise ports as needed. The computingdevice 300 can be implemented as a portion of small-form factor portable(or mobile) electronic device, an application specific device, or ahybrid device that include any of the above functions.

Specific embodiments of the technology have been described above forpurposes of illustration. However, various modifications can be madewithout deviating from the foregoing disclosure. In addition, many ofthe elements of one embodiment can be combined with other embodiments inaddition to or in lieu of the elements of the other embodiments.Accordingly, the technology is not limited except as by the appendedclaims. Furthermore, even if not labeled as such, Figures may not bedrawn to scale.

I/We claim:
 1. A device for preparing a liquid food item forconsumption, the device comprising: an inner surface defining a liquidholding volume; an outer surface, the outer surface and inner surfaceforming an orifice of the liquid holding volume; a heating elementconfigured on the inner surface; a thermal sensor configured to sense atemperature of the liquid holding volume; a mixer device, the mixerdevice comprising a mixing element disposed within the liquid holdingvolume; and a processor, the processor coupled to a memory, the thermalsensor, the heating element, and a power source, the processorconfigured to execute instructions stored in the memory, theinstructions comprising: receiving an instruction to prepare a liquidfood item within the liquid holding volume; in response to receiving theinstruction to prepare the liquid food item within the liquid holdingvolume, preparing the liquid food item for consumption, whereinpreparing the liquid food item for consumption comprises: powering, withthe power source, the mixer device, wherein powering the mixer devicecomprises engaging the mixing element thereby causing the mixing elementto rotate within the liquid holding volume; measuring, using the thermalsensor, a first temperature of the liquid food item within the liquidholding volume; determining whether the first temperature is at aconsumption temperature; in response to determining that the firsttemperature is not at the consumption temperature: powering, with thepower source, the heating element; measuring, using the thermal sensor,a second temperature of the liquid food item within the liquid holdingvolume; determining whether the second temperature of the liquid fooditem is at the consumption temperature; and in response to determiningthat the second temperature of the liquid food item is at theconsumption temperature, discontinuing preparing the liquid food itemfor consumption.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein: the inner surfacedefining a liquid holding volume is an inner surface of an inner shell,the inner shell including an inner shell outer surface opposite theinner surface of the inner shell; and the outer surface is an outersurface of an outer shell, the outer shell comprising an outer shellinner surface opposite the outer surface of the outer shell, the outershell being sleeved over the inner shell and defining an insulationcompartment between the inner sleeve outer surface and the outer sleeveinner surface.
 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the insulationcompartment comprises a vacuum chamber.
 4. The device of claim 1,further comprising a button configured on the outer surface of thecontainer, the button coupled to the processor, wherein receiving aninstruction to heat a liquid within the liquid holding volume comprisesreceiving an indication that the button has been engaged.
 5. The deviceof claim 1, wherein the device further comprises a liquid volume sensor,wherein the instructions further comprise: determining, based at leastin part on data provided by the liquid volume sensor, a volume of liquidfood item in the liquid holding volume; and calculating, based at leastin part on the volume, a mixer signal for powering the mixer device,wherein, powering, with the power source, the mixer device comprisespowering the mixer device by the mixer signal.
 6. The device of claim 1,further comprising an orientation sensor configured on the device andcoupled to the processor, the orientation sensor configured to sense anorientation of the device, wherein the instructions further comprise:sensing, using the orientation sensor, an orientation of the container;determining whether the orientation of the container is an acceptableorientation for the device for preparation of a liquid food item, and inresponse to determining that the orientation is not an acceptableorientation for the device for preparation of a liquid food item,discontinuing preparation of the liquid food item.
 7. The device ofclaim 1, further comprising a cap sensor adjacent to the orifice of theliquid holding volume, the cap sensor configured to sense the presenceof a cap covering the orifice, wherein the instructions furthercomprise: determining, using the cap sensor, whether a cap is coveringthe orifice; in response to determining that no cap is covering theorifice, discontinuing preparation of the liquid food item.
 8. Thedevice of claim 1, further comprising a cap sensor adjacent to theorifice of the liquid holding volume, the cap sensor configured to sensea cap covering the orifice, wherein the instructions further comprise:determining, using the cap sensor, an identifier associated with a capcovering the orifice; determining whether the identifier associated withthe cap is associated with preparation of a liquid food item; and inresponse to determining that the cap is not associated with preparationof a liquid food item, discontinuing preparation of the liquid fooditem.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the mixer element comprises astirrer magnetically coupled to a motor of the mixer device, and whereinpowering the mixer device comprises powering the motor.
 10. A containercomprising: an inner shell having an inner surface defining a liquidholding volume and an outer surface opposite of the inner surface; anouter shell having inner and outer surfaces, the outer shell beingsleeved over the inner shell and defining an insulation compartmentbetween an inner surface of the outer shell and the outer surface of theinner shell, and the outer shell and the inner shell forming an orificeto the liquid holding volume at their juncture; a heating elementconfigured on the inner surface of the inner shell; a thermal sensorconfigured to measure a temperature of a liquid in the liquid holdingvolume; and a processor coupled to a memory, the thermal sensor, theheating element, and a power source, the processor configured to executeinstructions stored in the memory, the instructions comprising:receiving an instruction to prepare a liquid, preparing the liquid,wherein preparing the liquid comprises: measuring, using the thermalsensor, a first temperature of a liquid in the liquid holding volume;determining whether the first temperature is greater than or equal to aconsumption temperature; in response to determining that the firsttemperature is not greater than or equal to the consumption temperature:powering the heating element; measuring, using the thermal sensor, asecond temperature of the liquid; determining whether the secondtemperature of the liquid is greater than or equal to the consumptiontemperature; in response to determining that the second temperature ofthe liquid is greater than or equal to the consumption temperature:discontinuing preparation of the liquid, wherein discontinuingpreparation of the liquid comprises refraining from powering the heatingelement.
 11. The container of claim 10, further comprising a volumesensor coupled to the processor and configured on the inner shell,wherein the memory contains further instructions executable by theprocessor including: measuring, using the volume sensor, a volume of theliquid in the liquid holding volume; determining whether the volume isless than a minimum volume; and in response to determining that thevolume is less than the minimum volume, discontinuing preparation of theliquid.
 12. The container of claim 10, further comprising a cap sensorcoupled to the processor, the cap sensor configured to detect a presenceof a cap on the orifice, wherein the memory contains furtherinstructions executable by the processor including: determining, usingthe cap sensor, whether a cap is present on the orifice; and in responseto determining that the cap is not present on the orifice, discontinuingpreparation of the liquid.
 13. The container of claim 10, furthercomprising a mixer element configured on the inner surface of the innershell and magnetically coupled to a motor, the motor coupled to theprocessor and configured to cause the mixer element to rotate when amixing signal is applied to the motor, wherein the memory containsfurther instructions executable by the processor including: powering themotor with a mixing signal, thereby causing the mixer element to rotate.14. The container of claim 10, further comprising: a mixer elementconfigured on the inner surface of the inner shell and magneticallycoupled to a motor, the motor coupled to the processor and configured tocause the mixer element to rotate when a mixing signal is applied to themotor, and a volume sensor configured on the inner shell, the volumesensor coupled to the processor, and wherein the memory contains furtherinstructions executable by the processor including: measuring, using thevolume sensor, a volume of the liquid in the liquid holding volume;determining a mixing signal based at least in part on the measuredvolume; and powering the motor with the mixing signal.
 15. The containerof claim 10, further comprising an orientation sensor, the orientationsensor coupled to the processor, wherein the memory contains furtherinstructions executable by the processor including: determining, usingthe orientation sensor, an orientation of the container; and in responseto determining that the orientation is not within a predetermined bufferrange from upright, discontinuing preparation of the liquid.
 16. Thecontainer of claim 10, further comprising a mixing element configured onthe inner surface of the inner shell and magnetically coupled to amotor, the motor coupled to the processor and configured to cause themixing element to rotate when a mixing signal is applied to the motor,wherein the motor comprises a mixing plate configured to rotate, whereinthe mixing plate comprises multiple magnets of alternating polarity,wherein the memory contains further instructions executable by theprocessor including: powering the motor with a mixing signal, whereinpowering the motor with the mixing signal causes the mixing plate torotate, wherein the rotation of the mixing plate causes the mixingelement to rotate.
 17. The container of claim 10, further comprising acap sensor coupled to the processor, the cap sensor configured to detectan identifier associated with a cap covering the orifice, wherein thememory contains further instructions executable by the processorincluding: receiving, using the cap sensor, the identifier associatedwith the cap when the cap covers the orifice; comparing the receivedidentifier to a predefined identifier associated with a predefined typeof cap; and discontinuing preparation of the liquid if the receivedidentifier is not equivalent to the predefined identifier.
 18. Acontainer for maintaining liquid at a storage temperature and heatingthe liquid to a consumption temperature, the container comprising: aninner shell having an inner surface defining a liquid holding volume andan outer surface opposite of the inner surface; an outer shell havinginner and outer surfaces, the outer shell being sleeved over the innershell and defining an insulation compartment between the outer shell andthe inner shell, wherein the outer shell and inner shell are configuredto meet at a junction defining an orifice of the liquid holding volume;a battery coupled to the heating element; a thermal sensor configured onthe inner shell, the thermal sensor configured to measure a temperature;a volume sensor configured on the inner shell, the volume sensorconfigured to measure a volume of liquid in the liquid holding volume; acap sensor configured to detect a presence of a cap at the orifice ofthe liquid holding volume; an orientation sensor configured on thecontainer, the orientation sensor configured to generate orientationdata associated with an orientation of the container; a heating elementconfigured on the inner surface of the inner shell; and a processorcoupled to a memory, the processor coupled to the battery, the thermalsensor, the volume sensor, the cap sensor, the orientation sensor, andthe heating element.
 19. The container of claim 18, wherein theprocessor is configured to execute instructions stored in the memory,the instructions comprising: measuring the temperature of a liquid inthe liquid holding volume by the thermal sensor; measuring a volume ofthe liquid in the liquid holding volume by the volume sensor; detectinga presence and a type of cap covering the orifice of the liquid holdingvolume; measuring an orientation of the container by the orientationsensor; preparing the liquid in the liquid holding volume, whereinpreparing the liquid comprises powering the heating element.
 20. Thecontainer of claim 18, further comprising a mixer device, the mixerdevice comprising a mixer motor coupled to a mixing element configuredto rotate in the liquid holding volume, wherein the processor isconfigured to execute instructions stored in the memory, theinstructions comprising: receiving an instruction to prepare a liquid inthe liquid holding volume; measuring, using the volume sensor, a volumeof the liquid; calculating, based at least in part on the measuredvolume of the liquid, a mixing signal for powering the mixer motor;powering the mixer motor using the mixing signal.